Once a farming and ranching town, Calgary has experienced expansive growth thanks to the escalating price of its richest resource: oil. Now Calgary is Canada’s third largest municipality, offering a modern urban culture that embraces its pioneer past. It’s easy to discover Calgary’s attractions: The well-planned city is laid out in a grid and has an excellent public transportation system. Get a bird’s-eye view of the city from the observation deck of the Calgary Tower. The Calgary Stampede is the city’s most well-known event, attracting over a million visitors with its 10-day line-up of rodeos, music and agricultural displays. Cheer with the crowd for the displays of horsemanship in the chuck wagon derby and hold your breath at the competitive bareback bull riding. When the stampede’s not in town, you can still see animal life at the Calgary Zoo where you’ll be immersed in habitats from Canada and beyond, as well as from the past! The zoo features a Prehistoric Park, where life-size replicas of dinosaurs roam through ancient landscapes. In the Drumheller Valley, around 85 miles (135 kilometers) from Calgary, you’ll find the fossils these replicas are based on at the Royal Tyrrell Museum. If you’re visiting in winter, there’s plenty of skiing, snowboarding, bobsledding and ice skating on offer at Canada Olympic Park. If you’re an indoor type, check out the art galleries south of downtown on Stephen Avenue and the Glenbow Museum downtown. In the evening, head to downtown Jubilee Auditorium for a Broadway musical, an opera or a ballet. Or, try one of the multicultural restaurants across the Bow River at 17th Avenue Southeast, also known as International Avenue. Here you’ll find diverse flavors from Ethiopia, Portugal, Vietnam, India, the Philippines, Hong Kong and more. Foodies will love the gourmet tours of this area! Calgary is also the gateway to ski villages such as Banff, Canmore and Kananaskis. It’s also close to the Alberta Badlands, a photogenic wonderland of strange rock formations, paleontological finds and ghost towns.
Calgary Travel Guide
Where to stay in Calgary
Downtown Calgary
TD Square and CORE Shopping Centre are top sights in Downtown Calgary, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at 3rd Street SW Station or 4th Street SW Station to see more sights in the area.
Southwest Calgary
Southwest Calgary is a destination travellers like for its river views, and you might hop aboard the metro at Southland Station or Anderson Station to explore sights like Stampede Park.
Southeast Calgary
While you're in Southeast Calgary, take in top sights like Calgary Zoo or Deerfoot Casino, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Chinook Station or 39th Avenue Station.
Northwest Calgary
If you're spending time in Northwest Calgary, check out sights like Crowchild Twin Arena or Market Mall and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Dalhousie Station or Crowfoot Station.
Beltline
Visitors often come to Beltline for its abundant dining options, but many stay to explore sights like Stampede Park and Cowboys Casino. Getting around the area on the metro is easy if you take a ride at Victoria Park - Stampede Station.
University District
Visitors often come to University District for its abundant dining options, but many stay to explore sights like Olympic Oval and Trans Canada Pipeline Arch. Getting around the area on the metro is easy if you take a ride at Banff Trail Station.
Reviewed on 11 May 2024
Reviewed on 11 May 2024
Reviewed on 9 May 2024
Reviewed on 6 Mar 2024
Reviewed on 26 Aug 2023
Reviewed on 4 May 2024
Popular places to visit
Calgary Zoo
See exotic animals and even dinosaurs as you wander through botanic gardens and re-creations of diverse habitats ranging from Africa to South America.
Calgary Tower
With a tourist information center and views over the zoo, Olympic Plaza, Old City Hall and Chinatown, this downtown landmark is the ideal place to get your bearings.
Scotiabank Saddledome
Catch an event at Scotiabank Saddledome during your trip to Calgary. Amble around this vibrant area's riverfront or experience its acclaimed theatre scene.
Chinook Centre
You can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Chinook Centre during your trip to Calgary. Discover the top-notch restaurants and entertainment choices in this vibrant area.
Canada Olympic Park
Ski the slopes, take a bobsled ride, catch an ice hockey game and tackle mountain biking trails at this park that was opened for the 1988 Winter Olympics.
17 Avenue SW
During your trip to Calgary, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at 17 Avenue SW. While you're in the area, wander around the parks.
Things to do
Lake Louise & Yoho (Moraine Lake June - Oct) from Calgary/Banff
Calgary Downtown: 2-Hour Introductory Walking Tour
Calgary to Banff (Canmore) Public Shuttle
Calgary: 3.5-Hour Bus City Tour with Gasoline Alley Museum
Listen to a Tour Guide as You Drive & Walk with our Discover the Rockies Package
Banff (Canmore) to Calgary Public Shuttle
Reviews of Calgary
4/5 - Good
Accessibility to all such us school, malls and food outlets
3/5 - Okay
We couldn't afford to eat at any of the restaurants near the hotel so walked to McDonald's, it was the dirtiest place I've ever eaten and I felt very unsafe in there. My impression was that you need a lot of money to enjoy Calgary.
4/5 - Good
It was interesting in Calgary but getting into the city was very busy, especially since it was midweek midday. We didn't expect it to be that congested.
3/5 - Okay
Only stayed for one night as I was connecting onto a bus to Banff so didn’t see any of Calgary
5/5 - Excellent
A really friendly city, lots to see and do around the area and beyond.
5/5 - Excellent
Visit the stampede and make a trip to Banff, you’ll love it and want to return again